Anti-shock batting gloves

ABSTRACT

An anti-shock batting glove adapted to receive a thumb and forefingers of a hand, including: a dorsal side for covering a dorsal side of the hand, and a palmar side for covering a palm of a hand. The palmar side comprises a plurality of detached finger pads adapted to limit shock to a batter&#39;s hand encountered during batting. The plurality of detached finger pads comprise a palm pad configured to cover a lower portion of a palm of the hand, a first finger pad configured to cover a metacarpal of a pinky finger, a second finger pad configured to cover a metacarpal and a phalange of a ring finger, a third finger pad configured to cover a metacarpal, a proximal phalange, and an intermediate phalange of a middle finger, and a fourth finger pad configured to cover an area between a thumb and an index finger. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also claimed and discussed.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS & PRIORITY CLAIMS

This patent application claims the benefit of and priority to JapanesePatent Application No. 2010-103600, which was filed on 28 Apr. 2010, andis incorporated by reference herein as if fully set forth below in itsentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to protectivebatting gloves and more particularly to anti-shock batting gloves foruse in baseball, softball, and other activities where protectivecovering is desired.

BACKGROUND

The history of America's pastime can be traced back to the 18^(th)century. Baseball (and softball), has greatly evolved since the 18^(th)century and is now an extremely popular sport among men and women.Synonymous with the evolution of baseball has been the evolution ofbaseball equipment.

Traditional baseball and softball equipment consisted solely of a bat, aball, and a glove to protect a defending player's hand and facilitate incatching the ball. Today, baseball and softball players use specializedequipment to enhance performance and protect from the potential dangersthe game presents.

Most baseball and softball bats have limited shock absorbing properties.The shock resulting from the impact of the bat hitting the ball ispassed to the batter, thus increasing the impact to the hands. Thisimpact can cause injury to a batter's hand. The impact can also causeinjury to the lower part of the palm, as the heel of the bat is usuallyshoved into the lower part of the hand after the impact. A rotationalmomentum can also be imparted to the bat upon contact with the ball,which causes the bat to exert force across and around a batter's hand,specifically through the area between the thumb and the index finger. Inlight of these issues, there has been an increased demand among playersfor batting gloves that provide hand protection to baseball and softballbatters.

Many attempts have been made in designing batting gloves to protectagainst injury. There is still a need, however, for batting gloves thatfurther protect against hand injuries. Specifically, there is a need forbatting gloves that successfully protect against the shocks, vibrations,and rotational forces encountered during batting. Embodiments of thepresent invention are to such gloves.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention provide anti-shock batting gloves.Some embodiments can receive a thumb and forefingers of a hand,comprising a dorsal side for covering a dorsal side of the hand, and apalmar side for covering a palm of a hand. The palmar side comprises aplurality of detached finger pads adapted to limit shock encounteredduring batting.

In accordance with some embodiments, the plurality of detached fingerpads comprise a palm pad configured to cover a lower portion of a palmof the hand, a first finger pad configured to cover a metacarpal of apinky finger, a second finger pad configured to cover a metacarpal and aphalange of a ring finger, a third finger pad configured to cover ametacarpal, a proximal phalange, and an intermediate phalange of amiddle finger, and a fourth finger pad configured to cover an areabetween a thumb and an index finger.

In an embodiment, the first finger pad is substantially diamond shaped.

In another embodiment, the second finger pad is comprised of a topsegment and a bottom segment that are continuously connected. The topsegment and the bottom segment can be substantially diamond shaped.

In yet another embodiment, the third finger pad is comprised of a bottomsegment, a middle segment, and a top segment that are continuouslyconnected. The bottom segment, the middle segment, and the top segmentare preferably substantially diamond shaped.

In another embodiment, the fourth finger pad is shaped to cooperate witha curvature between the thumb and the index finger.

In another embodiment, the plurality of detached finger pads are made ofBio Gel Foam.

In yet another embodiment, the palm pad, the first finger pad, thesecond finger pad, and the third finger pad are approximately 3 mmthick.

In other embodiments, the fourth finger pad is approximately 5 mm thick.

In another embodiment, the dorsal side comprises one or more fastenersadapted to securely adjust over a batter's hand.

Some embodiments are adapted to receive the thumb and forefingers of ahand, and comprise a dorsal side for covering a dorsal side of the hand,and a palmar side for covering a palm of a hand. The palmar said of thisembodiment further comprises a palm pad configured to cover a lowerportion of a palm of the hand, a first finger pad configured to cover ametacarpal of a pinky finger, a second finger pad configured to cover ametacarpal and a proximal phalange of a ring finger, a third finger padconfigured to cover a metacarpal, a proximal phalange, and anintermediate phalange of a middle finger, and a fourth finger padconfigured to cover an area between a thumb and an index finger.

A method of manufacturing anti-shock gloves of the present inventioncomprise the steps of providing a dorsal side of the glove, providing apalmar side of the glove, attaching the dorsal side of the glove to thepalmar side of the glove, and disposing a plurality of detached fingerpads on the palmar side of the glove.

In some embodiments, disposing the plurality of detached finger pads onthe palmar side of the glove comprises the steps of disposing a palm padsuch that it covers a lower portion of a palm of the hand, disposing afirst finger pad such that it covers a metacarpal of a pinky finger,disposing a second finger pad such that it covers a metacarpal and aproximal phalange of a ring finger, disposing a third finger pad suchthat it covers a metacarpal, a proximal phalange, and an intermediatephalange of a middle finger, and disposing a fourth finger pad such thatit covers an area between a thumb and an index finger.

The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of thepresent invention will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription of the present invention when taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The subject matter that is regarded as the invention is particularlypointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion ofthe specification. The foregoing and other objects, features, andadvantages of the invention are apparent from the following detaileddescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 illustrates an angled, palmar side view of an anti-shock glove inaccordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a palmar side view of an anti-shock glove inaccordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a dorsal side view of an anti-shock glove inaccordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates an angled, palmar side view of an anti-shock glove inaccordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates an angled, palmar side view of an anti-shock glove inaccordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a palmar side view of an anti-shock glove inaccordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a palmar side view of an anti-shock glove inaccordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a palmar side view of an anti-shock glove inaccordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a palmar side view of an anti-shock glove inaccordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY & ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Disclosed herein is an anti-shock batting glove adapted to receive thethumb and forefingers of a hand, including: a dorsal side for covering adorsal side of the hand, a palmar side for covering a palm of a hand,wherein the palmar side comprises a plurality of detached finger padsadapted to limit or eliminate shock and other forces encountered duringbatting.

As discussed herein, embodiments of the present invention can include apalm pad configured to cover a lower portion of a palm of the hand, afirst finger pad configured to cover a metacarpal of a pinky finger, asecond finger pad configured to cover a metacarpal and proximal phalangeof a ring finger, a third finger pad configured to cover a metacarpal,proximal phalange, and intermediate phalange of a middle finger, and afourth finger pad configured to cover an area between a thumb and anindex finger. Advantageously, this combination of finger pads protect abatter's hand from the shock, vibrations, and forces encountered duringbatting.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, an anti-shock glove in accordance withexemplary embodiments is illustrated. As illustrated in the figures, thepalmar side 100 of the anti-shock glove 100 comprises a plurality ofdetached finger pads 105. The plurality of detached finger pads 105herein are configured to limit shock, vibration, and rotational forcesencountered during batting.

In exemplary embodiments, the palm pad 110 is configured on the palmarside 100 of the anti-shock glove. The palm pad 110 can be configured tocover and protect a lower portion 135 of the palm of a hand 140,particularly beneath the pinky finger 145 and ring finger 150.

In exemplary embodiments, the first finger pad 115 is configured tocover and protect the metacarpal of the pinky finger 145. However, thefirst finger pad 115 can be adapted to extend past the metacarpal toprovide more protection to the pinky finger 145. The geometrical shapeof the first finger pad 115 is preferably substantially diamond-like.The first finger pad 115 is not limited to this geometric configuration,however.

In exemplary embodiments, the second finger pad 120 is configured tocover and protect the metacarpal and proximal phalange of the ringfinger 150. The second finger pad 120 can be adapted to extend past theproximal phalange and provide more protection to the ring finger 150.The second finger pad 120 is preferably comprised of two segments, a topsegment 170 and a bottom segment 175. The top segment 170 and the bottomsegment 175 are continuously connected. The top segment 170 preferablycovers the metacarpal of the ring finger 150. The bottom segment 175preferably covers the proximal phalange of the ring finger 150. Thegeometrical shape of the top segment 170 of the second finger pad 120 ispreferably substantially diamond-like. The geometrical shape of thebottom segment 175 of the second finger pad 120 is also preferablysubstantially diamond-like. The top segment 170 and bottom segment 175of the second finger pad 120 are not limited to this geometricconfiguration. In currently preferred embodiments, the surface area ofthe bottom segment 175 is greater than the surface area of the topsegment 170.

In exemplary embodiments, the third finger pad 125 is configured tocover and protect the metacarpal, the proximal phalange, and theintermediate phalange of the middle finger 155. The third finger pad 125can be adapted to extend past the intermediate phalange of the middlefinger 155 to provide even more protection to the middle finger 155. Thethird finger pad 125 is preferably comprised of three segments, a bottomsegment 180, a middle segment 185, and a top segment 190. The bottomsegment 180, middle segment 185, and top segment 190 are continuouslyconnected. The bottom segment 180 preferably covers the metacarpal ofthe middle finger 155. The middle segment 185 preferably covers theproximal phalange of the middle finger 155. The top segment 190preferably covers the intermediate phalange of the middle finger 155. Incurrently preferred embodiments, the geometrical shape of the bottomsegment 180, middle segment 185, and top segment 190 is substantiallydiamond-like. Many other geometric configurations can also be used,however. The surface area of the bottom segment 180 is greater than thesurface area of the middle segment 185. The surface area of the middlesegment 185 is greater than the surface area of the top segment 190.

In exemplary embodiments, the fourth finger pad 130 is configured tocover and protect the area 195 between the index finger 160 and thethumb 165. The geometrical shape of the fourth finger pad 130 ispreferably substantially oval. The fourth finger pad 130 can be slightlydeformed to cooperate with the curvature between the index finger 160and the thumb 165 junction. The fourth finger pad 130, however, is notlimited to this geometric configuration.

The palm pad 110, first finger pad 115, second finger pad 120, thirdfinger pad 125, and fourth finger pad 130 can be made from manymaterials. It is preferable that the material has impact absorptioncharacteristics that aid in limiting or eliminating the shock andvibrations to a batter's hand encountered during batting. In currentlypreferred embodiments, the plurality of detached finger pads 105 aremade of a Bio Gel Foam material. At approximately 3 mm thick, Bio Gelfoam has a gravity acceleration value of approximately 37 g and absorbsapproximately 82.65% of energy resulting from a bat striking a ball. Atapproximately 6 mm thick, Bio Gel foam has a gravity acceleration valueof 34 g and absorbs approximately 75.93% of energy resulting from a batstriking a ball. Other materials can also be used, for example but notlimited to, Latex Foam, and Easton Foam. In currently preferredembodiments, the plurality of detached finger pads 105 are made of thesame material. In other embodiments, however, the plurality of detachedfinger pads 105 can each be made of a different material.

In exemplary embodiments, the palm pad 110, first finger pad 115, secondfinger pad 120, and third finger pad 125 are comprised of a Bio Gel Foampad having a thickness of approximately 3 mm. The fourth finger pad 130,however, is preferably comprised of a Bio Gel Foam pad having athickness of approximately 5 mm.

The dorsal side 300 of the glove can comprise one or more fastenersadapted to wrap securely over a batter's hand. In a preferredembodiment, the fastener is a hook and loop fastener, and can be, forexample, VELCRO®.

The anti-shock glove can be made of, for example but not limited to,leather, neoprene, rayon, acrylic, polyester, cotton, or a combinationof the foregoing. Moreover, the anti-shock glove can comprise a liner toenhance comfort to the batter. The material comprising the liner can be,for example but not limited to, leather, neoprene, rayon, acrylic,polyester, cotton, or a combination of the foregoing.

Further, to cooperate with the natural curves of the hand, theanti-shock glove can be comprised of one or more pieces of the same ordifferent material. In embodiments that comprise more than one piece ofmaterial, the pieces are preferably attached using thread stitching.

FIGS. 6-9 illustrate palmar side views of an anti-shock glove inaccordance with other embodiments of the present invention. Theanti-shock glove 600 illustrated in FIG.6 comprises a first finger pad605 to cover and protect the metacarpal, the proximal phalange, andintermediate phalange of the pinky finger 615, ring finger 620, andmiddle finger 625. A second finger pad 610 is configured to cover andprotect the area 640 between the index finger 630 and the thumb 635.

The anti-shock glove 700 illustrated in FIG. 7 comprises a first fingerpad 705 configured to cover and protect the metacarpal of the pinkyfinger 715, the metacarpal and proximal phalange of the ring finger 720,and the metacarpal, proximal phalange, and intermediate phalange of themiddle finger 725. A second finger pad 710 is configured to cover andprotect the area 740 between the index finger 730 and the thumb 735.

The anti-shock glove 800 illustrated in FIG. 8 comprises a plurality ofdetached finger pads 805. The first finger pad 810 is configured tocover and protect the pinky finger 830. The first finger pad 810 extendsfrom the metacarpal 855 to the intermediate phalange 860 of the pinkyfinger 830. The second finger pad 815 is configured to cover and protectthe ring finger 835. The second finger pad 815 extends from themetacarpal 865 to the intermediate phalange 870 of the ring finger 835.The third finger pad 820 is configured to cover and protect the middlefinger 840. The third finger pad 820 extends from the metacarpal 875 tothe intermediate phalange 880 of the middle finger 840. The fourthfinger pad 825 is configured to cover and protect the area 885 betweenthe index finger 845 and the thumb 850.

The anti-shock glove 900 illustrated in FIG. 9 comprises a plurality ofdetached finger pads 905. The first finger pad 910 is configured tocover and protect the pinky finger 930. The first finger pad 910 extendsfrom the intermediate phalange 955 to the distal phalange 960 of thepinky finger 930. The second finger pad 915 is configured to cover andprotect the ring finger 935. The second finger pad 915 extends from theintermediate phalange 965 to the distal phalange 970 of the ring finger935. The third finger pad 920 is configured to cover and protect themiddle finger 940. The third finger pad 920 extends from theintermediate phalange 975 to the distal phalange 980 of the middlefinger 940. The fourth finger pad 925 is configured to cover and protectthe area 985 between the index finger 945 and the thumb 950.

The embodiments of the present invention are not limited to theparticular formulations and materials disclosed herein as suchformulations and materials may vary somewhat. Moreover, the terminologyemployed herein is used for the purpose of describing exemplaryembodiments only and the terminology is not intended to be limitingsince the scope of the various embodiments of the present invention willbe limited only by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

Therefore, while embodiments of the invention are described withreference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art willunderstand that variations and modifications can be affected within thescope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Accordingly,the scope of the various embodiments of the present invention should notbe limited to the above discussed embodiments, and should only bedefined by the following claims and all equivalents.

1. An anti-shock batting glove adapted to receive the thumb andforefingers of a hand, comprising: a dorsal side for covering a dorsalside of the hand; and a palmar side for covering a palm of a hand,wherein the palmar side comprises a plurality of detached finger padsadapted to limit shock encountered in batting.
 2. The anti-shock battingglove of claim 1, wherein the plurality of detached finger padscomprise: a palm pad configured to cover a lower portion of a palm ofthe hand; a first finger pad configured to cover a metacarpal of a pinkyfinger; a second finger pad configured to cover a metacarpal and aproximal phalange of a ring finger; a third finger pad configured tocover a metacarpal, a proximal phalange, and an intermediate phalange ofa middle finger; and a fourth finger pad configured to cover an areabetween a thumb and an index finger.
 3. The anti-shock batting glove ofclaim 2, wherein the first finger pad is substantially diamond shaped.4. The anti-shock batting glove of claim 2, wherein the second fingerpad is comprised of a top segment and a bottom segment that arecontinuously connected.
 5. The anti-shock batting glove of claim 4,wherein the top segment and bottom segment are substantially diamondshaped.
 6. The anti-shock batting glove of claim 2, wherein the thirdfinger pad is comprised of a bottom segment, a middle segment, and a topsegment that are continuously connected.
 7. The anti-shock batting gloveof claim 6, wherein the bottom segment, the middle segment, and the topsegment are substantially diamond shaped.
 8. The anti-shock battingglove of claim 2, wherein the fourth finger pad is shaped to cooperatewith a curvature between the thumb and the index finger.
 9. Theanti-shock batting glove of claim 2, wherein the plurality of detachedfinger pads are made of Bio Gel Foam.
 10. The anti-shock batting gloveof claim 2, wherein the palm pad, the first finger pad, the secondfinger pad, and the third finger pad are approximately 3 mm thick. 11.The anti-shock batting glove of claim 2, wherein the fourth finger padis approximately 5 mm thick.
 12. The anti-shock batting glove of claim1, wherein the dorsal side comprises one or more fasteners adapted tosecurely adjust over a batter's hand.
 13. An anti-shock batting gloveadapted to receive the thumb and forefingers of a hand, comprising: adorsal side for covering a dorsal side of the hand; and a palmar sidefor covering a palm of a hand, wherein the palmar side comprises a palmpad configured to cover a lower portion of a palm of the hand; a firstfinger pad configured to cover a metacarpal of a pinky finger; a secondfinger pad configured to cover a metacarpal and a proximal phalange of aring finger; a third finger pad configured to cover a metacarpal, aproximal phalange, and an intermediate phalange of a middle finger; anda fourth finger pad configured to cover an area between a thumb and anindex finger.
 14. A method of manufacturing an anti-shock batting glove,comprising: providing a dorsal side of the glove; providing a palmarside of the glove; attaching the dorsal side of the glove to the palmarside of the glove; and disposing a plurality of detached finger pads onthe palmar side of the glove.
 15. The method of manufacturing ananti-shock batting glove in claim 14, wherein disposing the plurality ofdetached finger pads on the palmar side of the glove comprises:disposing a palm pad such that it covers a lower portion of a palm ofthe hand; disposing a first finger pad such that it covers a metacarpalof a pinky finger; disposing a second finger pad such that it covers ametacarpal and a proximal phalange of a ring finger; disposing a thirdfinger pad such that it covers a metacarpal, a proximal phalange, and anintermediate phalange of a middle finger; and disposing a fourth fingerpad such that it covers an area between a thumb and an index finger.